Collaborative Conflict

Collaborative Conflict Resolution is a set of skills used to create opportunities for those in conflict to work toward practical solutions that meet each person’s needs. Using a collaborative conflict resolution approach promotes strong teams and partnerships. Supervisors should have the ability to gather information, listen to ideas proposed by others, and model the behaviors that foster collaborative working relationships among employees.

Supervisors will work through UIC conflict resolution policies and resources, identify a range of acceptable solutions, and work effectively with employees.

Conflict Resolution in Practice

Behaviors

Gathers information to identify and resolve workplace conflict

Encourages constructive, open discussion between employees to resolve conflict

Listens to ideas and solutions proposed by others to resolve conflict

Models behavior in the workplace that fosters collaborative working relationships among staff

Works with employees to identify a range of acceptable solutions to workplace conflict

Encourages employees to take advantage of Dispute Resolution Services (DRS) provided by the Office for Access and Equity when appropriate

Resources

Instructor-Led Courses

Leadership Essentials, a two-day training session, is designed to provide new managers and supervisors with information required to function in their role more effectively. The training includes a pre-session assessment tool, facilitated discussions about managing work teams at UIC, detailed information about application of key HR policies and post-session management tools.

SkillSoft Courses

Using Emotional Intelligence on the Job:Intellectual knowledge is no longer enough; managers must also have the interpersonal competence that comes with emotional intelligence. This course teaches the value of emotions and how they can affect the workplace for better or for worse.

Leading Teams - Dealing with Conflict:Conflict tends to be at its highest during the "storming" stage of team development. This course looks at causes of team conflicts and the important role of healthy communication in handling conflicts. Many best practice approaches are presented to resolving conflicts, illustrating the tenets of principled negotiation.

Workplace Conflict - Strategies for Resolving Conflicts:The more quickly and effectively conflicts are resolved, the sooner more productive activities can begin. Conflict is a part of life, and each successfully resolved conflict will lead to more confidence and knowledge about how to approach other conflicts managers may face in the future.